nycHealthy is a blog for participants to talk to each other, and to health experts from the New York City Health Department, about health-related issues. Feel free to submit your comments and questions, but please read our Comment Policy first. We will blog on a number of health topics, so be sure to check back. Thanks.

August 31, 2009

Do you know how many calories you consumed from drinks alone yesterday? Many of us forget beverages have calories, but oh, they do. If you only drank water yesterday, then that answer is easy – zero. But a good number of us turn to sugar-sweetened beverages when we’re thirsty – and those sugary drinks add up! Just one 20-ounce bottle of soda is 250 calories, and can contain 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar. If you think you’re doing better with the iced tea, it’s not by much. One 20-ounce bottle of lemon-flavored iced tea is 210 calories, and can contain 14 ½ teaspoons of sugar.

The reality is Americans consume 200 to 300 more calories each day than we did 30 years ago. Of these extra calories, nearly half come from sugar-sweetened drinks with zero health benefits. Sugary drinks have gotten bigger in size and there’s a lot more of them out there. In New York City, more than two million adults drink at least one sugar-sweetened soda or other sweetened beverage each day. The calories consumed from these types of beverages can lead to obesity and diabetes, and cause cavities in kids and adults. So, are you pouring on the pounds?

May 28, 2009

Has the recent news about H1N1 flu left you wondering
whether it’s safe to take the bus or subway to work? Are you looking askance at
anyone who sniffles or sneezes? Wondering whether it’s safe to sit in a movie
theater or send your children to school?

Many New Yorkers are worried about the so-called swine flu, and
thousands have called us to ask questions. How dangerous is this virus? Is
everyone at risk? What are the best ways to avoid it? And what should I do if I
come down with symptoms? Is there a test for swine flu? Do I need to get
treated for it? Do I need to go to a hospital?

February 20, 2009

During Black History Month, we talk a lot about our accomplishments and hard-won freedom. We have a lot to celebrate. But as a doctor, I feel obliged to talk about one area in which black New Yorkers are not yet free – and that is of our dependence on tobacco. Smoking-related illness kills more black Americans than anything else, and it takes an outsize toll on our community. Studies show that black smokers are more likely than other smokers to develop smoking-related illnesses, and more likely to die from them. Smoking affects every organ and system of the body, and second-hand smoke harms families and children. Despite these risks, more than 230,000 of New York City’s black adults still smoke.

African-American smokers know the facts, and many are trying to kick the habit. In New York City, black smokers make more quit attempts than other smokers, yet they’re less likely to succeed. Why do they have so much trouble? Menthol cigarettes may be one reason. Black smokers are more likely to smoke menthols, and research suggests that menthol helps foster tobacco addiction. The cooling effect of menthol may mask the harshness of tobacco – enabling the smoker to inhale more smoke, absorbing more nicotine and more toxic chemicals.

Tobacco companies actively target African Americans by advertising menthol cigarettes in magazines like Jet and Ebony. They have done this for years, because they know it works. We can measure the impact in smoking-related deaths.

I always tell my patients, if you can’t quit alone, it is not a personal failing. There are aids and medications that can double your chances of quitting successfully. The nicotine patch is one of them. As always, smokers can call 311 or the New York State Smokers’ Quitline (866-NY-QUITS) to get help. Free smoking cessation services are also available in all five boroughs.

If anyone out there is trying to quit, I welcome your questions about how to succeed. I would especially like to hear the stories of black smokers hooked on menthols. If we support each other, many more can break this awful addiction.